DIY Home Maintenance for Winter

Although you may still be enjoying warm temperatures and sunny skies, cold weather can sneak into the forecast before you know it. Home maintenance for winter is easier to handle sooner than later so you don’t get caught having to handle massive and costly repairs in extreme temperatures. Below is a list of some crucial DIY home maintenance tasks to complete in the upcoming weeks.

Caulk around windows and doors. Gaps between siding and window/door frames should be treated with exterior caulk. Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can withstand fall and winter precipitation. Sealing these gaps will prevent cold air and moisture from entering warm rooms.

Clear your gutters and safeguard against future buildup. If left full of debris, clogged gutters and drains can cause ice dams that prevent your drainage system from working properly. This in turn may lead to water leaking into your home. Get rid of existing leaves using the BE Pressure Quick Connect Gutter Cleaner with a power washer. Once cleared, install this durable Gutter Guard to keep leaves and debris from future clogging.

Insulate where it makes sense. For example, wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with insulation to slow heat transfer. Make sure your ducts are also in order by sealing and insulating them to increase the efficiency of your heating system.

Prep your furnace. It’s a good idea to turn on and clean the furnace before the cold weather arrives. Build-up can cause your system to work at poor performance levels, or even become a fire hazard. During the winter, try to change the filter regularly as dirt and grime will also decrease airflow and energy efficiency.

Pre-plan for emergencies. The last thing anyone wants is to find themselves in the middle of an emergency, much less one it are unprepared for. Because of the unpredictability of winter, it’s best to prepare with some basics. Buy salt for your driveway, keep a snow shovel and hard bristle handy, stock up on batteries for a torch, keep candles and matches nearby in case of power outages, and keep a supply of food and water inside your home and car.